If you want to experience a truly, dry, desert riding experience, eastern Utah is the place for you! Desert riding is usually dry and dusty, but this place takes the cake in my book. I like where there is usually a little water around, or where there at least has been a little water in the last 100 years! Just kidding, it does rain there once in a while.
This place is actually really awesome. I had some friends invite me on a 3 day riding trip and this place was just one of many that I’ll never forget. Trails for miles take you through sand washes, cedar trees, desert valleys and large plateaus that overlook the Colorado river.
Trail head GPS Coordinates: 39.169291, -109.116992
Nearest Town: Green River, Utah
Trail Type: Single track, desert washes, dirt roads, slick rock
Elevation: 4-4000 ft
Best Season: Spring, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate, not for beginners
Estimated Time Spent in Area: 4-6 hours
Before you head out on the trails or any adventure, make sure you are prepared. Being prepared will make your adventures safe and much more enjoyable.
My friends led the way on this trip and we headed on I-70 eastbound from Green River for about 63 miles to the Westwater exit #227. We staged not far off the freeway and just headed out. It seemed like we drove for days to get there but it really wasn’t bad. There are no services out that direction so be sure to gas up and take plenty of food and water.
This area is also know as Rabbit Valley and is located near the Eastern Utah and Western Colorado boarder.
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Recommend Gear and Equipment
- Hydration Pack
- Hand guards
- Action camera
- Tool pack
- Skid plate
- First Aid Kit
- Extra gas cans
- Lots of water and food
Location Description
There are many trails in the area so it will be in your best interest to obtain a map and stick to a trail that is well known. The Kokopelli Trail is one that runs mainly East to West and intertwines many of the other trails in the area and can be a good reference point should you get turned around. Four wheel drive vehicles and even mountain bikes frequent the area so most of the roads and trails are pretty prominent. However, the trail for the Utah Rims is really only meant for dirt bikes and mountain bikes.
Click here for the map.
On the map, you will see where it runs along the Westwater Mesa and also the Western Rim mesa. There are several other mesas the trail runs along as well. Hence the name, Utah Rims Trail. After riding the rims for a while, you will then drop back down into the valley where you can either connect to the Kokopelli Trail and make your way back or choose another road or route to connect to the main trail again.
Now days with the beauty of GPS, you can mark your starting point and follow the beaten path around most of the Utah Rims trail. There are a few signs along the way so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out but also keep a map handy.
Video
Other Landmarks
If you’re up for miles of sand whoops, Mel’s Loop is also a good time. This is a mixture of sand whoops and slick rock. If you’re feeling tough and want to test out your suspension and stamina, this one is definitely for you!
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